My Thoughts On The Week In Sports, 5/5-5/11

Normally I’d do a post like this on mainly baseball, but there’s a bit elsewhere happening this past week I wanted to offer my thoughts on. Click below to read on.

No More Manny Being Manny-Ramirez Busted!

ESPN just broke the monumental shocker-Dodgers OF Manny Ramirez is going to be suspended by baseball today. Performance-enhancing drugs. First time, so that means 50 games. The full story:

Major League Baseball is expected to announce Thursday that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended for 50 games, The Los Angeles Times is reporting.

Ramirez’s test result and suspension are expected to be announced Thursday, The Times said.

Citing a source familiar with the matter, The Times reported Ramirez is expected to say the positive test results were a result of medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue.

If his suspension begins Thursday, Ramirez would be eligible to return to the Dodgers’ lineup for their July 3 game against San Diego.

Triple-A outfielder Xavier Paul has been told by the Dodgers that he will be promoted later today, according to The Times.

In his first full season as a Dodger, Ramirez is batting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBIs. Los Angeles has bolted to a 21-8 record — best in the majors — and a 13-0 record at home that set the modern major league record for home winning streak to start a season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4148907

My first reaction was a huge “HOLY S**T!” Was I totally caught off guard by this? Not really. With stats like this and his attitude you had to figure he was on to something, but it still is something of a shock. Not only will this KILL the Dodgers after their fast start but it’s going to be another big blow to baseball because, like him or hate him, Manny is/was still a big box office draw. Some in Boston won’t complain but for most in the NL it’s one less reason to see the Dodgers over the next 2 months and it will be a real test as to what this team really is made of.

More thoughts from me maybe later when the whole “shock & awe” thing dies down. Sure bolts you back to life during a dull day.

UDPATE: Since the suspension is without pay, this is going to cost Ramirez, by my quick math, $7,716,050 in salary. His $25 million salary this year breaks down to roughly $154,321 per game (rounded up).

UPDATE 2: He won’t appeal the suspension. Manny also issued a statement confirming he recently saw a physician for a health issue and was given a medication, not a steroid, but the medication was on the banned substances list. After consultation with the Players’ Association and his personal representatives, Ramirez waived his right to challenge the suspension.